Troubleshooter

In just a few years, mobile phones have become an essential tool for the majority of Australian adults. They have also found their way into the pockets and school bags of many youngsters, regarded by parents as a sensible way for their kids to keep in touch and stay safe.
That was certainly Bobbe Sabella's thinking when she recently gave her 10-year-old daughter a mobile phone for her birthday.

From exploding laptop batteries to heavy-handed digital rights management systems and delays over the launch of the PS3, all is not completely peachy in the world of the Sony Corporation.

And far be it from Troubleshooter to add to the Japanese giant's woes but we'd like to put another apparent problem on its growing list.

The issue concerns the company's Bravia X Series flat panel LCD TVs. Since they were launched late last year, the Bravias have attracted a lot of praise, including an editor's choice award from CNet. But they are also creating some disgruntled buyers.

Mike Minty is very happy with his Creative Nomad MP3 player. In fact, he's almost embarrassingly fulsome in his praise of the gadget.
"I think it's the best toy I have ever had. I love it dearly," he said. "I think it's the greatest invention ever."
However (and this being Troubleshooter, there is always a "however"), this passionate love affair has been on the wane since early November when his 60Gb Zen Xtra went on the blink.

Deslea Judd wants her nine-year-old son to carry a mobile phone in case he needs to make emergency calls and also so she can contact him. Understandably, she also doesn't want her son to run up "a bill the size of Texas" making outbound calls.

Troubleshooter: If you’re having problems with technology and can’t get satisfaction from a supplier, let Troubleshooter know and we’ll ask the hard questions on your behalf. Post an entry on this blog or email us at troubleshooter@smh.com.au

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